The Origin of Capitalism: A Longer View

How did the dynamic economic system we know as capitalism develop among the peasants and lords of feudal Europe?

In The Origin of Capitalism, a now-classic work of history, Ellen Meiksins Wood offers readers a clear and accessible introduction to the theories and debates concerning the birth of capitalism, imperialism, and the modern nation state. Capitalism is not a natural and inevitable consequence of human nature, nor simply an extension of age-old practices of trade and commerce. Rather, it is a late and localized product of very specific historical conditions, which required great transformations in social relations and in the relationship between humans and nature.

This new edition is substantially revised and expanded, with extensive new material on imperialism, anti-Eurocentric history, capitalism and the nation-state, and the differences between capitalism and non-capitalist commerce. The author traces links between the origin of capitalism and contemporary conditions such as 'globalization', ecological degradation, and the current agricultural crisis.

Author: Ellen Meiksins Wood
Publisher: Verso
Published: 05/02/2017
Pages: 224
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.50lbs
Size: 7.80h x 5.10w x 0.60d
ISBN13: 9781786630681
ISBN10: 1786630680
BISAC Categories:
- Business & Economics | Economic History
- Political Science | Public Policy | Economic Policy
- History | Western Europe | General

About the Author
Ellen Meiksins Wood (1942-2016), for many years Professor of Political Science at York University, Toronto, was the author of many books, including Democracy Against Capitalism, The Pristine Culture of Capitalism, The Origin of Capitalism, Peasant-Citizen and Slave, Citizens to Lords, Empire of Capital and Liberty and Property.